DAVID CAMPBELL

Host of 89.3 the Current's "Local Show"

Brian Just Band, "If You Like to Be Alone or If You Need to Be With Someone"

Little Man, "Orbital Amusement" (EP)

M.anifest, "Immigrant Chronicles: Coming to America"

Buffalo Moon, "Selva Surreal"

The Bombay Sweets, "The Bombay Sweets" (EP)

Doomtree, "No Kings"

Night Moves, "Colored Emotions"

Sleeping in the Aviary, "You and Me, Ghost"

Songs (not ranked):

Haley Bonar, "Candy Machine Gun"

Baby Boys , "All My Friends"

Dragons Power Up!, "Ballahol"

BadNraD, "Bad Girl"

Matt Latterell, "Hostage"

Live Acts (not ranked):

Poliça

Haley Bonar

Doomtree

Peter Wolf Crier

Spyder Baybie Raw Dawg & 2% Muck

No. 1 sign the music scene was alive and well in 2011:

Even with 2 hours of time each week to cover our beloved scene, it has become impossible to fit in everything that deserves coverage on "The Local Show." The new releases, the forthcoming week's best shows, the freaky one-off collaborations, and all the notable news have become more substantial then our allotted time allows. At one point we worried that we might not have enough to fill two hours with high quality content. We couldn't have been more wrong.

TIM CAMPBELL

Star Tribune Senior A&E Editor

Albums

1. Doomtree, "No Kings"

2. Peter Wolf Crier, "Garden of Arms"

3. Pink Mink, "Pink Mink"

4. Dave King Trucking Co. "Good Old Light"

5. M.anifest, "Immigrant Chronicles: Coming to America"

6. Davina & the Vagabonds, "Black Cloud"

7. Red Planet, "Space Dust" 8. Low, "C'mon"

9. Mason Jennings, "Minnesota"

10. Various artists, "Minnesota Remembers Vic Chesnutt"

Songs

1. Doomtree, "No Way"

2. Sims, "Burn It Down"

3. Low, "Try to Sleep"

4. Pink Mink, "Earthquake on the Loose"

5. Cloak Ox, "Vacuum Cleaner"

Live acts

1. Doomtree

2. The 4onthefloor

3. Davina & the Vagabonds

4. Pink Mink

5. Dave King Trucking Co.

No. 1 sign the music scene was alive and well in 2011:

Only a few years ago, maybe a couple local acts could pack First Ave. Now I could probably name a dozen. So listen up, anybody who's terminally nostalgic for the good old days of the "Minneapolis scene" -- the heyday is right now.

The rapid formation of so many more new bands in several genres, many of which are really good, on a very frequent basis (every other week it seems) -- e.g. The Bad Spots, The NPCs, Darla, Usonia, The Rope, Poliça, Machine 22 and countless more -- indicates the scene is stronger, and more creative than ever. Also more shows by venerable artists such as the Magnolias, Valet, Mammy Nuns and Grant Hart indicates our scene is vibrant as ever, all leading to wider national recognition.

As keeper of KBEM's live jazz calendar, I'm always surprised by how much jazz happens in the Twin Cities. It's not uncommon to find up to 50 different events in a given week. When one venue closes (the Clown), others open or make room for jazz (the Black Dog, Studio Z, the Nomad). New bands are starting all the time. Not bad for a music that's supposedly dead.

JAY GABLER

Twin Cities Daily Planet arts editor

Albums

1. Astronautalis, "This is Our Science"

2. Dessa, "Castor, the Twin"

3. Caroline Smith and the Good Night Sleeps, "Little Wind"

4. Claps, "Wreck"

5. Tapes 'N Tapes, "Outside"

6. Sims, "Bad Time Zoo"

7. Ruby Isle, "Appetite for Destruction"

8. Elite Gymnastics, "Ruin"

9. A Loud Heart, "A Loud Heart"

10. Koo Koo Kanga Roo, "Midnight Slushie"

Songs

1. Sims, "Burn It Down"

2. Tapes 'N Tapes, "Freak Out"

3. Astronautalis, "Measure the Globe"

4. Ruby Isle, "Welcome to the Jungle"

5. Original 7ven, "Hey Yo"

Live acts

1. Marijuana Deathsquads

2. Astronautalis

3. BadNraD

4. Hastings 3000

5. Caroline Smith and the Good Night Sleeps

No. 1 sign the music scene was alive and well in 2011

When Pitchfork asked James Brooks of Elite Gymnastics what the Minneapolis music scene was like and Brooks replied, "There isn't a scene." The statement was evidence that artists can break nationally from Minneapolis without kissing any local rings, while also being so manifestly untrue that no one even bothered to get too worked up about it.

JEFF GAGE

City Pages/Gimme Noise contributor:

Albums:

1. Sims, "Bad Time Zoo"

2. Pink Mink, "Pink Mink"

3. Hildur Victoria, "Hildur Victoria"

4. Doomtree, "No Kings"

5. Peter Wolf Crier, "Garden of Arms"

6. M.anifest, "Immigrant Chronicles: Coming to America"

7. Haley Bonar, "Golder"

8. The Blind Shake, "Seriousness"

9. No Bird Sing, "Theft of the Commons"

10. Rogue Valley, "False Floors"

Songs

1. "Wandering Star" by Poliça

2. "Hidden Beach" by Pink Mink

3. "Headlights" by Night Moves

4. "Burn It Down" by Sims

5. "The Renaissance" by MaLLy

Live Acts

1. "Marijuana Deathsquads

2. "The Blind Shake

3. "Poliça

4. "Pink Mink

5. "Slapping Purses

No. 1 sign the music scene was alive and well in 2011:

I can't seem to think of a single snarky thing to say here! Must be a good sign.

TOM HORGEN

Star Tribune critic and nightlife reporter

Albums

1. Doomtree, "No Kings"

2. Sims, "Bad Time Zoo"

3. Big Quarters, "Party Like a Young Commie"

4. M.anifest, "Immigrant Chronicles"

5. The Tribe and Big Cat!, "Make Good"

6. Astronautilus, "This is Our Science"

7. Haley Bonar, "Golder"

8. Villa Rosa, "Blue Diamond Island"

9. Unknown Prophets, "World Premier 2"

10. Greg Grease, "The Giving Tree"

Songs

1. Doomtree, "Bangarang"

2. M.anifest, "Suffer"

3. Sims, "Burn it Down"

4. M.anifest, "Coming to America"

5. Big Quarters, "C'mon"

Live acts

1. Doomtree

2. M.anifest

No. 1 sign the music scene was alive and well in 2011

Doomtree: all day, every day.

KYLE MATTESON

Blogger, recovering tweetaholic

Albums:

1. Doomtree, "No Kings"

2. Sims, "Bad Time Zoo"

3. Low, "C'Mon"

4. No Bird Sing, "Theft of the Commons"

5. Halloween, Alaska, "All Night the Calls Came In"

6. Haley Bonar, "Golder"

7. The Cloak Ox, "Prisen EP"

8. Peter Wolf Crier, "Garden of Arms"

9. Howler, "This One's Different EP"

10. Gramma's Boyfriend, "The Human Eye"

Songs:

1. Doomtree, "Punch Out"

2. No Bird Sing, "Basquiat Loves Company"

3. Gramma's Boyfriend, "I Have This Feeling"

4. Low, "Witches"

5. Sims, "Jordan 5's"

Live acts:

1. Doomtree 2. The Cloak Ox 3. Astronautalis 4. Sims 5. Poliça

No. 1 sign the music scene was alive and well in 2011:

From making up a huge chunk of SoundTown's inaugural lineup to the 7 nights of the Doomtree Blowout, local music is blurring the line between local and national music, and thankfully just being considered "great" music.

The Great Depression, "Unconscious Pilot" (2003). (I was late for their funeral, but early for their resurrection)

Songs

Julia Douglass, "Scared to Have Kids"/"Poor People on TV"

Slim Dunlap, "Family Tradition"

Gini Dodds, "Future is Now (Again)"

Halo Sparkle, "One More Year"

No. 1 sign the music scene was alive and well in 2011:

There has never been a better time to be an aging hipster stuck in south suburbia (trust me). Rocking Horse performance loft in downtown Northfield is like a house of worship. Ten miles east, Brent Sigmeth's LittleBig Studios (Haley Bonar, Cactus Blossoms) and whispers of the mighty Pachyderm's rebirth could make Cannon Falls the next ... Eau Claire?

PAT O'BRIEN

City Pages/Gimme Noise contributor:

Albums:

1. The Cloak Ox, "Prisen" EP

2. Peter Wolf Crier, "Garden Of Arms"

3. Doomtree, "No Kings"

4. The Rope, "The Rope"

5. Astronautalis, "This Is Our Science"

6. Sims, "Bad Time Zoo"

7. Haley Bonar, "Golder"

8. Blue Sky Blackout, "John Hughes" EP

9. Gramma's Boyfriend, "The Human Eye"

10. CLAPS, "Wreck"

Songs:

1. The Cloak Ox, "Prison"

2. Astronautalis, "Dimitri Mendeleev"

3. Blue Sky Blackout, "The Universe Is Expanding"

4. Peter Wolf Crier, "Settling It Off"

5. Poliça, "Wandering Star"

Live acts:

1. The Book of Right On

2. Doomtree

3. Peter Wolf Crier

4. Baby Boys

5. Gramma's Boyfriend

No. 1 sign the music scene was alive and well in 2011:

At Jagerfest at Club Jager in October, The Book of Right On played a scorching, foul-mouthed set that held everyone there in rapt attention. The real coup, though was the band playing several songs that were, by their own admission, unfinished. Those songs had sporadic lyrics and a few clunky passages but not one person in attendance could have cared less.

JESSICA J. PAXTON

Host on KYMN Radio, Northfield

Albums (ranked):

1. Dessa, "Castor, The Twin"

2. Low, "C'mon"

3. The Cactus Blossoms, "The Cactus Blossoms"

4. Communist Daughter, "Something Wicked This Way Comes" EP

5. Little Man, "Orbital Amusement" EP

6. Adam Svec, "Weaks in the Waves"

7. Matt Latterell, "Life On Land"

8. Patches & Gretchen, "I Steal Carrots"

9. Astronautalis, "This Is Our Science"

10. Satellite Voices, "Scarlet Rays of Future Echoes"

Songs:

1. The Cactus Blossoms, "Stoplight Kisses"

2. Adam Svec, "Only a Spirit"

3. Pink Mink, "Seeking Scott Seekins"

4. The Idle Hands, "Socialite Death Squad"

5. Halloween, Alaska, "Dance By Accident"

Live acts:

1. Doomtree

2. Zoo Animal

3. Pink Mink

4. Satellite Voices

5. And my favorite live band/ensemble that still hasn't put out a recording -- Black Audience.

No. 1 sign the music scene was alive and well in 2011:

I am really enjoying the increasingly creative use of the oft-ridiculed ukulele. Who woulda thunk? The uke is cool again. Thanks to artists intent on shedding its image as an instrument played purely for ironic pursuits, the ukulele is staking its turf far beyond the likes of novelty acts (Hello, Tiny Tim!). Musicians of all genres are embracing their appreciation for the ukulele's versatility, portability, affordability -- and "jam-ability."

The Gayngs "Affiliyated" showcase and SXSW sendoff in March featured some of the best acts in local hip hop (Doomtree), electronic (Slapping Purses), experimental (Marijuana Deathsquads, Albert), psych-rock (Moonstone Continuum, Leisure Birds), dance pop (Har Mar Superstar), electro pop (Solid Gold), and soft rock (Gayngs), spanning First Avenue's three rooms. It was a righteous display of just how diverse and genre-spanning the Minneapolis music scene has truly become in 2011.

ROSS RAIHALA

Pioneer Press music critic

Albums:

1. Joey Ryan and the Inks, "Dennis Lane"

2. Communist Daughter, "Something Wicked This Way Comes"

3. Pink Mink, "Pink Mink"

4. Tapes 'n Tapes, "Outside"

5. Low, "C'mon"

6. Halloween, Alaska, "All Night Long the Calls Came In"

7. The Jayhawks, "Mockingbird Time"

8. Dead Man Winter, "Bright Lights"

9. Atmosphere, "The Family Sign"

10. Dearling Physique, "Deadeye Dealer"

CHRIS RIEMENSCHNEIDER

Star Tribune music critic

Albums:

1. Doomtree, "No Kings"

2. Dead Man Winter, "Bright Lights"

3. Mason Jennings, "Minnesota"

4. Pink Mink, "Pink Mink"

5. Rogue Valley, "False Floors"

6. M.anifest, "Immigrant Chronicles: Coming to America"

7. The Blind Shake, "Seriousness"

8. Low, "C'mon"

9. Astronautalis, "This Is Our Science"

10. Davina & the Vagabonds, "Black Cloud"

Songs

1. Pink Mink, "Hidden Beach"

2. M.anifest, "Suffer"

3. Dead Man Winter, "Nicotine"

4. Mason Jennings, "Clutch"

5. Doomtree, "No Way"

Live acts

1. Doomtree

2. The 4onthefloor

3. The Book of Right On

4. Gay Witch Abortion

5. The Jayhawks

No. 1 sign the music scene was alive and well in 2011

As impressive as Doomtree's seven-night run, Rogue Valley completed its own marathon in April with "False Floors," its fourth album in a year. Even with the time crunch, Chris Koza's band did not take the easy road (read: do it all on a Mac) and crafted carefully refined, thematic, classic-sounding studio albums, an art form clearly not lost on this scene.

Mike Mictlan's curated 7th Street Entry show for Blowout 7 was an inspired and impressive lineup of artists that pushed the boundaries of what a small club show could be. Representing everyone from the young up-and-comers to certified local legends, the whole night was a sign of the rap scene's unity and immense talent. Doomtree truly pushed their "No Kings" mantra forward with the Blowout this year, which allowed them to share their astounding 7 day sold-out extravaganza with friends and like minds.

ANDREA SWENSSON

City Pages/Gimme Noise music editor

Albums (not ranked)

Pink Mink, "Pink Mink"

Doomtree, "No Kings"

Haley Bonar, "Golder"

Astronautalis, "This Is Our Science"

The Jayhawks, "Mockingbird Time"

Various artists, "Minnesota Remembers Vic Chesnutt"

No Bird Sing, "Theft of the Commons"

Kid Dakota, "Listen to the Crows as They Take Flight"

Buffalo Moon, "Selva Surreal"

Communist Daughter, "Something Wicked This Way Comes" EP

Songs (not ranked)

"Wandering Star," Poliça

"I Told You Once," Howler

"A Long, Cold Night in Minneapolis," Dead Man Winter

"Fuck Your Stuff," P.O.S.

"Headlights," Night Moves

Live acts (not ranked)

Poliça

Holly Newsom (Zoo Animal)

The Japhies

Sexcat

Coloring Time

No. 1 sign the music scene was alive and well in 2011

We've had a diverse scene here for years, but it seems like the national (and international) media is finally starting to pay attention to just how much we have to offer. With Howler, Prof, Poliça, Elite Gymnastics, John Maus, and many more gaining traction in 2011, we have a new round of talented artists spreading the good word through both online channels and out there on the road.

ERIK THOMPSON

City Pages/Gimme Noise contributor

Albums

1. Low, "C'mon'

2. Peter Wolf Crier, "Garden of Arms'

3. The Cloak Ox, "Prisen" EP

4. Haley Bonar, "Golder'

5. Doomtree, "No Kings'

6. Brute Heart, "Lonely Hunter'

7. The Blind Shake, "Seriousness'

8. Pink Mink, "Pink Mink'

9. CLAPS, "Wreck'

10. Caroline Smith & the Goodnight Sleeps, "Little Wind'

Songs

1. Communist Daughter, "Ghosts"

2. Low, "Nothing But Heart"

3. Haley Bonar, "Kid October"

4. Poliça, "Dark Star"

5. Peter Wolf Crier, "Setting It Off"

Live acts

1. Poliça

2. The 4ontheFloor

3. Doomtree

4. Low

5. Solid Gold

No. 1 sign the music scene was alive and well in 2011

Consistently sold-out shows for local bands. Whether it was the string of seven consecutive sold-out nights for the Doomtree crew, Caroline Smith selling out First Ave. for her record release show, or Poliça selling out the Turf Club based on word of mouth alone, local music fans are showing major support for Twin Cities bands, helping our scene and our bands reach a national audience.

ROB VAN ALSTYNE

Freelancer (City Pages and Metro magazine)

Albums:

1. Wishbook, "Happy Garden"

2. Kid Dakota, "Listen to the Crows as They Take Flight"

3. Haley Bonar, "Golder"

4. Peter Wolf Crier, "Garden of Arms"

5. Mason Jennings, "Minnesota"

6. Usonia, "Usonia"

7. Halloween, Alaska, "All Night Long the Calls Came In"

8. Ghost in the Water, "Shooting Stars and Battle Scars"

9. Rogue Valley, "False Floors"

10. Astronautalis, "This Is Our Science"

JIM WALSH

Southwest Journal writer, freelancer, author of "The Replacements: All Over But the Shouting"

Albums (not ranked)

Joe Fahey, "Bushnell's Turtle"

Mason Jennings, "Minnesota"

Molly Maher & Her Disbelievers, "Merry Come Up"

Doomtree, "No Kings"

Bethany Larson & the Bees Knees, "When We Reach the City"

Jon Rodine, "Last Star"

Dead Man Winter, "Wolves EP"

Patches & Gretchen, "I Steal Carrots"

Malamanya, "Live"

Haley Bonar, "Golder"

Songs

"Lions," Mayda

"Nicotine," Dead Man Winter

"Hearts Stop Beating," Mason Jennings

"Lovelight," The Shiny Lights

"February Wind," Ashleigh Still

Live acts

Birthday Suits

Malamanya

Erik Koskinen/Molly Maher

Belfast Cowboys/St. Dominic's Trio

Doomtree

No. 1 sign the music scene was alive and well in 2011

The Current's "Local Current" stream.

HOW TCCT WORKS

We asked voters to choose their top 10 local albums, then weighted those picks through a system that allocates 110 points per list. Voters could rank their choices (from 20 points for No. 1 to 2 points for No. 10), or leave them unranked for 11 points apiece. Best songs and live-act categories are from top 5 lists ranked 10 to 2, or 5 apiece.

Thanks to all the TCCT voters, who do this to support the scene.

Chris Riemenschneider has been covering the Twin Cities music scene since 2001, long enough for Prince to shout him out during "Play That Funky Music (White Boy)." The St. Paul native authored the book "First Avenue: Minnesota's Mainroom" and previously worked as a music critic at the Austin American-Statesman in Texas.